Letter: Let’s acknowledge good work of public servants

May 1-7 is Public Service Recognition Week. Across the country and in communities like Asheville, federal, state, county and local government employees serve us every day. Please join me in publicly acknowledging the good work done by the active and retired federal workers in North Carolina.

At a time when much of the talk about federal employees is biased or uninformed, let’s use this week to talk about what federal employees really do. They work alongside our military at home and abroad to defend our country. They conduct cutting-edge research to improve health and prevent disease. They regulate food and drug products to keep us safe. And when natural disasters strike, they are there to provide relief and help us rebuild.

Despite popular belief, 85 percent of federal employees work outside of Washington, D.C. All around this country, federal employees help seniors get their Social Security benefits, guide airplanes safely through our skies, and care for our veterans and wounded warriors.

During Public Service Recognition Week, please join me in recognizing the important work of the public employees in our community and thanking them for their service.